SCRAPBOOKING MANIA

Wow, I am learning how to really scrapbook! A co-worker who is very creative and does a lot of scrapbooking in her spare time, invited me to join her for an overnighter and scrapbooking session. I learned so much from her and did not realize I had sooooo many pictures of my grandchildren. I thought that one of my books would be enough to do sections for each grandchild -- WRONG! There is only enough pages to handle some of the pictures of my granddaughters so consequently, I'll have to get a separate scrapbook for the boys.

It is so much fun if you like being creative. It does take quite a while to decorate even one page, but it was fascinating to see how each page cames out after I was finished with it. Although I haven't gotten to the place that my projects look as professional as P's, my co-worker's, I am still excited about the hobby and look forward to doing a whole lot more.

We went to "Hobby Lobby" to get more stuff and they had a sale going. That was not good because when I saw all the things that were on sale, I wanted to buy out the place. unfortunately, I went over the budget, especially when later on in the day, I remembered that I had to purchase some medicine which was equally as expensive. Now I have to pray that I won't be in trouble financially before my next payday.

THIS RETIREMENT THANG AIN'T EASY!

I always thought that to retire was just to quit working, have a retirement party and go on with you life. WELLLLLL, it's not that simple. Let me tell you, there's more work to retirement than working 8 hours a day on your job. Actually that is a exaggeration, but preparing for retirement is definitely NOT easy. First I had to apply for my benefits, then apply for Medicare Part A, then later on, it's applying for Part B, then C and D whatever they are. I understand that Part A or B will be $95 or something like that a month. Then I have to get busy and find a dentist that will take Medicare; figure out whether or not I want to pay to keep the life insurance that is currently paid for by the company at which I work.

I thought I was well into the process and was on my way to find the light at the end of this tunnel, however, someone informed me last week that I'm not halfway through yet. I had figured out my monthly benefits and decided that it wasn't going to be too bad. I would be able to make ends meet and perhaps have a little bit left over. WRONG! By the time I pay for health insurance, life insurance (which I already have with another company), dental insurance and whatever else I find out that will add to my monthly expenses (property taxes, regular taxes) WILL I HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT TO BASICALLY LIVE ON! It looks like I am going to have to join many others who have gotten part-time jobs to make it. I pray to God that this will not happen to me because I always dreamed that my retirement will consist of visiting grandchildren whenever I want for as long as I want. Shhhhh! Don't tell my children, I do not want them to know that they may have to put up with mama for perhaps more than a week or two. Ha, ha, Isn't that great? You all pray for me out there that at least I will completely finish the retirement preparation so I may be able to live my life without complications. Can I get an Amen?